The Embroidered Book

In the historical novel "The Embroidered Book," set in 1768, Charlotte, the daughter of the Habsburg Empress, arrives in Naples to marry a man she has never met. Her sister Antoine is sent to France, where they discover a book of spells and use them to take control of their lives, but every spell requires a sacrifice. As love between the sisters turns to rivalry, they send Europe spiraling into revolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 672 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Winner of the Aurora Award for Best Novel, 'Spellbinding JJA Harwood' is an entertaining and dark read that has captivated readers worldwide. Stylist praises the novel as an "absorbing read," while the Guardian describes it as "beautifully written." Elizabeth Chadwick's work showcases her talent as a storyteller, as she delves into the complex lives of Charlotte and Marie Antoinette, two sisters who find themselves in the tumultuous world of 18th-century Versailles.

Born in 1768 as the daughter of the Habsburg Empress, Charlotte is sent to Naples to marry a man she has never met. However, her sister Antoine is sent to France, where she is renamed Marie Antoinette in the mirrored corridors of Versailles. Despite their isolation, the sisters are not powerless. When they were young, they discovered a book of spells, which they use to take control of their lives and navigate the treacherous court politics of their time.

As the novel unfolds, the sisters' relationship evolves from one of love and camaraderie to rivalry and jealousy. They use the book's magic to gain power and influence, but every spell comes with a price. As their love turns to rivalry, they inadvertently set Europe on a path toward revolution.

The Embroidered Book is a captivating reimagining of a dazzling period of history, filled with romance, betrayal, and enchantment. Chadwick's vivid prose brings the characters to life, and her intricate storytelling keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. This is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, with its rich detail and unforgettable characters.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008380632